Watch-chain swivel



June 21; 1 927;

T. J. FAGAN WATCH CHAIN. SWIVEL Filed Feb. 24, 1926 hi5 wivzey.

Patented June 21, 1927. I

THOMAS J. FAGAN, OF ARLINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

WATCH-CHAIN SWIVEL.

Application filed February This invention relates to clasps of the kind especially adapted for articles of jewelry, and is particularly susceptible'of embodiment in clasps for that end of a watch chain which is fastened upon the ring of a watch.

Objects of the invention include the provision of an improved clasp of this nature which may be positively locked without possibility of accidental separation, yet .which may be manually separated from engagement with the watch ring with greatest facility.

One preferred embodiment ofthe invention adapted for this purpose is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevation of the improved clasp with portions thereof in section, showing the parts in locked position;

Fig. 2 is a similar view with the movable elements in unlocked position;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged transverse section on the line 33 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 1 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing a modified form of construction;

Fig. 5 is a transverse section on the line 55 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 6 is an enlarged longitudinal section on the line 6 of Fig. 1.

A clasp constructed in accordance with this invention comprises essentially a substantially cylindrical body portion, provided with a hook pivoted thereto at one end for swinging movement in a direction radial to the body portion, the free end of the hook fitting into a recess at the end of the body portion when in closed position, and a locking member fitting around the body portion and movable longitudinally thereof; movement thereof in one direction positively looking the hook in closed position, and in the other direction releasing the hook.

The cylindrical body portion 7 may be provided at one end with a solid or split ring 8 either fixed or swivelly connected thereto, to which a watch chain may be attached; at the opposite end, relatively deep recess s 9 and 10 are cut from its peripheral surface. Vfithin the recess 9 is pivoted by the transverse pin 11, one end of a swinging hook 12. When the hook is in closed position the free end 13 thereof fits closely with the opposite recess 10, the outer surface of said free end lying within the circumference of the body portion 7 The longitudinal side walls of the recess 10 are preferably beveled outwardly at their 24, 1926. Serial No. 90,284.

inner ends, as at 141 in Fig. 6, and the edges of free end 13 of the hook should have a corresponding inclination, so that when in closed position the end 13 is secm'ed in the recess 10 against outward movement in a direction axial to the body portion 7.

The outer surfaceof the hook is preferably curved to conform to the curvature of the body portion, while the innersurface thereof is flat as shown most clearly in Fig. A smooth. and substantially continuous circle is thus provided when the hook closed, with advantages which will become apparent from the description of the locking men'ibers now to be explained.

A locking nut- 15 surrounds and is threaded upon the tubular body portion '2' for movement longitudinally thereof, and may be turned in one direction to lock the end 13 of hook 11 in the recess 10 preventing outward radial movement thereof (Fig. 1), or in the opposite direction to free said end, permitting it to be sprung outwardly and swung open in a direction radial to the body portion on the pivot 11. The hook may then be clasped over the ring of a watch or other article and again fastened by reversing the operation.

In the modified form of clasp shown in Figs. 4 and 5 the body portion of the clasp has spaced apart, peripheral grooves 16 and 17 channeled in its outer surface, and the threaded nut is replaced by sliding collar 18 having an internal peripheral groove 19. A corrugated open-ended leaf spring 20 is fitted within the collar groove 19, and cooperates with said groove and either the groove 16 or 17 to lock the collar against longitudinal movement with respect to the body portion 7 as desired. The hook memberbeing constructed as aforesaid, the collar may be slid along the body portion until the spring locks groove 19 with groove 16 to fasten the hook in closed position, and may be moved in the opposite direction and locked with groove 17 to free thehook as aforesaid. 7

Either of the above described embodiments of this invention may be fabricated with ease and economy and provides a secure and durable clasp for the purposes intended It will be understood, however, that reference to specific details of construction of these embodiments has been by way of illustration only, and that variations thereof may be utilized in similar devices -locking member in one without departing from, the spirit of this I claim:

1. A clasp of the type described compris ing a substantially cylindrical body portion, a hook member pivoted for swinging movement at one end of the body portion, a recess in the body portion for receiving the free end of the hook, and a locking member surrounding the body portion and movable longitudinally thereof, movement of the direction fastening the free end of the hook within said recess, and in'the other direction releasing said free end whereby the hook may be swung away from the body portion, and means between the locking member andthe body portion for holding the locking member in posi tion to fasten the free end of the hook within the recess.

2. A clasp of the kind described comprising a substantially cylindricalbody portion, a hook pivoted at one end of the body poriion for swinging movement radially of the body portion, a recess in said end of the body portion for receivingthe free end of the hook, the longitudinal side walls of said recess having'an outwardly beveled portion and the edges of the free end of the clasp having a corresponding bevel so that, when engaged with the recess, the hook is secured against the outward movement in a direc tion axial to the body portion, anda looking member surrounding the body portion and movable longitudinally thereof, movement of the locking member in one direction fastening the free end of the hook within the recess, an-din the other direction releasing said free end whereby said free end may be swung from the body portion, and means between the locking membody portion, a' locking member litting closely around the body portion and movable lengthwise thereof, movement in one direction enclosing both ends of the hook member and fastening the free end thereof within its recess, and in the'otherdirection releasing the hook member for outward swinging movement. a 7

l. A clasp of the kind described comprising a substantially cylindrical body portion having diametrically opposed recesses at one end, a hook member having one of its ends pivoted within one of said recesses and a free end normally engaging the other of said recesses, one of the walls of said last named recess being inclined outwardly and said free end having a corresponding inclination so that, when normally engaged, the free end is secured against outward movement in a direction axial to the body portion, and a locking nut threading upon the body portion adapted to be screwed toward the hook member to engage the free end thereof and secure the same within its recess, and away from the hook member to free said end for outward movement radial to the recess.

In testimony whereof I affix mv signature. 

